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In the Pacific, swordfish fisheries are managed through a combination of domestic and international partnerships with approaches tailored to different regions, fishing practices, and gear. www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/nort...

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 7h

In the Atlantic, coordinated management through the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas helped rebuild the North Atlantic swordfish in 2009, and it remains above its target population level today. www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species/nort...

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 7h

Seafood Month is also a great time to learn a little more about how the seafood we love gets from the ocean to our plates. Swordfish are a highly migratory species, traveling thousands of miles across domestic and international boundaries. That means sustainable management takes collaboration.

A graphic labeled “Swordfish” with a NOAA Fisheries species illustration of a swordfish below. Under the illustration Blue text on a light grey background reads “Did You Know? Swordfish are managed differently in the Atlantic and Pacific because their fisheries, habitats, gear, and management structures vary by region. In both regions, domestic and international collaborations help support sustainable swordfish fisheries and healthy fish populations.”

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 7h

Whether it’s Atlantic or Pacific swordfish, celebrate sustainable seafood with a delicious meal! Give this grilled swordfish recipe from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services a try. www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/swor... #SeafoodMonth #ChooseUSSeafood

There’s a text box overlaid on the left side of the swordfish photo reading “Ingredients: 2–3 (6-oz) swordfish steaks; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning of your choice; 1 tbsp parsley or thyme, chopped; Sea salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste; 1 cup homemade mango chutney (see full recipe).” Below is “Recipe: Grilled Swordfish with Mango Chutney” and Instructions “1. Preheat the grill (gas or charcoal). Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil on the swordfish and season with salt, pepper, fresh herbs, and all-purpose seasoning. 2. Place the fish on the grill over direct heat and cook for 3–4 minutes (depending on thickness). Turn over and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside. 3. Spoon the homemade mango chutney over the swordfish and serve immediately.” Along the bottom is a medium-blue text box with white text “Swordfish is an excellent source of selenium, niacin, vitamin B12, and zinc.”

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 03/10/2026

Every month is Seafood Month when you live in the ocean! Marine mammals, fish, and seabirds all rely on seafood as part of a healthy diet. USDA recommends humans—from about 6 months and up—enjoy three or more servings of seafood per week. #SeafoodMonth #ChooseUSSeafood

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 02/10/2026

It’s October—the best month of the year! October is our favorite because it’s #SeafoodMonth, and we have lots to celebrate. Buying U.S. seafood—wild-caught or farmed—is a healthy, sustainable, and delicious way to support our fishermen and ocean farmers. bit.ly/4emI8td #ChooseUSSeafood

A crab in the middle of concentric circles of different types of seafood (including shrimp, fish, and oysters) in the style of a mandala. Text in the middle says "October is National Seafood Month."

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 01/10/2026

📷 1. Credit: Isaiah Foulks, Discovery Whale Watch; taken under NOAA Permit #24359 2. Credit: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, taken under NOAA permit #24359. Aerial survey funded by NOAA Fisheries and Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 01/10/2026

We released a new report on large whale entanglements confirmed in the United States in 2025. There were 76 confirmed large whale entanglement cases that year—similar to the historical average and a decrease from 2024. bit.ly/3VbIWMW

A humpback whale's tail flukes emerge above bright blue water, entangled in green monofilament fishing line and netting.

Aerial view of a small rescue boat operating alongside an entangled whale in choppy ocean waters.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 29/09/2026

Discover how millions of tiny fish ear stones are unlocking decades of ocean history and shaping future marine science🔬: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-stor...

fisheries.noaa.gov

2.5 Million Perfect Little Time Capsules of Ocean Chemistry

A massive archive of otoliths—fish ear stones—reveals ocean history and fuels modern research.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 29/09/2026

For more than 40 years, research surveys in Alaska have collected an astonishing 2.5 million otolith pairs dating back to the 1960s. 😲 Today, this massive archive lives at the University of Washington’s Fish Collection—a joint facility between @burkemuseum.bsky.social & @uwsafs.bsky.social.

A visual chart titled "Otoliths from Different Species of Fish" on a black background, displaying pairs of translucent white otoliths from nine species arranged in a 3x3 grid:
Top Row: Walleye pollock (elongated, scalloped edges), Sablefish (narrow and curved), and Pacific cod (oval with distinct ridged margins).
Middle Row: Alaska plaice (rounded with central growth rings), Dover sole (smooth, teardrop-shaped), and Greenland turbot (irregular, fan-like structure).
Bottom Row: Pacific ocean perch (broad with textured edges), Atka mackerel (elongated with pointed ends), and Shortraker rockfish (angular, shell-like shape).

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 29/09/2026

Under a microscope, these microscopic structures reveal growth rates, chemical signatures that log past temperatures and water quality, and other crucial data that feeds directly into stock assessment models to sustainably manage U.S. fisheries!

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 29/09/2026

Just like we count the rings of a tree to see how old it is, scientists count the rings of otoliths (tiny calcium carbonate ear stones inside fish) to estimate fish age.

An educational graphic on a light blue background featuring text at the top: "Like counting rings on trees, scientists can age fish using otoliths— their ear stones." Below the text, a backlit cross-section of a translucent, golden-hued otolith (fish ear stone) is displayed against a black background. White pointer lines and numbers labeled 1 through 9 mark each individual growth band extending from the center core outward to the edge, demonstrating how annual growth rings are counted to determine a fish's age.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 29/09/2026

What do trees, corals, shells, and fish ear stones have in common? They are nature’s time capsules! 🌳🪸🐚🐟⏰ Each of these organisms has growth rings—a universal biological marker of seasonal or periodic growth.

An educational graphic on a light blue background featuring the bold heading "WHAT DO ALL THESE THINGS HAVE IN COMMON?" arranged above a 2x2 grid of photos:
Top-left: A large green tree standing in a grassy field, labeled "Trees".
Top-right: Branching light-colored coral underwater, labeled "Corals".
Bottom-left: A fish swimming near the ocean floor, labeled "Fish".
Bottom-right: A fan-like pattern of overlapping colorful scallop shells, labeled "Scallops".

An educational graphic on a light blue background featuring the bold heading "THEY ALL HAVE GROWTH RINGS" above a 2x2 grid of close-up images illustrating biological growth rings:
Top-left: A cross-section of a wooden tree trunk displaying concentric growth rings, labeled "Trees".
Top-right: A circular cross-section of coral skeleton under magnification showing ring patterns, labeled "Corals".
Bottom-left: An illuminated, microscopic view of a fish otolith displaying distinct growth bands, labeled "Fish".
Bottom-right: A hand holding a scallop shell showing visible concentric growth lines across its surface, labeled "Scallops".

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 25/09/2026

Claws for celebration: it’s National Lobster Day! ✨ 🦞✨ The perfect way to shell-ebrate? Learn more about this species with these fun facts: bit.ly/3zateSW Stay tuned as we highlight more during #SeafoodMonth, which starts next week! 👏

A man on a boat wearing blue gloves holding up a very large orange lobster.

Several orange plastic baskets filled with live dark-shelled lobsters sitting on a surface.

A large live American lobster sitting on the wet ground.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 25/09/2026

Visit our Faces of Sustainable Seafood page to learn more about each farm, and check back throughout October as we add new features for Seafood Month! www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/face...

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 25/09/2026

Just like farmers on land, ocean farmers work long days—in snow, ice, heatwaves, and during 3 a.m. low tides—to harvest food for us to eat. As we close out #AquacultureWeek, meet some of the businesses expanding access to fresh, environmentally conscious American seafood).

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 25/09/2026

Estuaries are often called the "nurseries of the sea," because most of the fish and shellfish we eat spend part of their lives there. They support tourism, millions of jobs, filter our water and protect coasts from storms. This #EstuariesWeek, learn why we love these habitats: bit.ly/4hKqyDu

An aerial view of an estuary, with marshes and water. A bridge runs through the habitat and houses on the left.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 24/09/2026

Ever wonder where we find the delicious recipes we share? This #AquacultureWeek, we’re highlighting the people behind the plates—the hardworking U.S. farmers whose commitment to sustainable aquaculture helps feed our nation. Meet the farmers (and try their recipes!): bit.ly/4eeSlYx

Text reads "Shell-ebrate Aquaculture Week" and has five rounded images of farmed seafood dishes with a background of farmed fish and shellfish species silhouettes.

Text reads "Shell-ebrate Aquaculture Week" and has five rounded images of aquaculture farmers with a background of farmed fish and shellfish species silhouettes.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 21/09/2026

Follow along with #NOAAHeritageWeek and #AquacultureWeek to learn more about our heritage and current aquaculture work. www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-stor...

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 21/09/2026

Milford is one chapter in a much larger NOAA aquaculture story—shaped by generations of scientists, industry partners, and communities working to understand and expand sustainable aquaculture practices.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 21/09/2026

The Milford Lab innovations continue today: at the Northeast Oyster Breeding Center, NOAA and USDA scientists are working together to breed high-performing oysters for farmers in the Northeast.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 21/09/2026

Milford Lab scientists went on to develop techniques for spawning and rearing shellfish, including the “Milford Method,” which helped lay the groundwork for modern shellfish aquaculture and is still used around the world!

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 21/09/2026

At our Milford Laboratory in Connecticut, federal scientists have been collaborating with the oyster industry on research since as early as the 1920s. By the 1930s, the lab was established as a permanent research station—decades before NOAA was officially established by President Nixon in 1970.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 21/09/2026

From pioneering oyster research to laboratories and hatcheries around the country, these blast-from-the-past snapshots offer a glimpse at some of the science and people that helped shape our aquaculture efforts over the years.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 21/09/2026

It’s both #AquacultureWeek and #NOAAHeritageWeek—so let’s take a look back at some of the history behind our aquaculture work! These blast-from-the-past snapshots offer a glimpse at some of the science and people that helped shape our aquaculture efforts over the years. bit.ly/4eeSlYx

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 18/09/2026

Exciting news in Hawaii: Partners spotted two endangered false killer whale calves this year! The main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whale population is endangered, and only 10 calves have been documented since 1999. That makes two new calves doubly thrilling! bit.ly/3VABfzM

A dark grey endangered false killer whale calf swims alongside an adult along the ocean surface, with water droplets splashing above them.

A false killer whale calf crests the deep blue ocean surface beside its much larger mother, who has a notched dorsal fin and is beginning to dive.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 17/09/2026

1,000+ scientific dives for coral reefs! 🤿🌊🪸 The 2026 Pacific National Coral Reef Monitoring team wrapped up their expedition across American Samoa and the Pacific Remote Islands to assess reef health and ocean conditions. Dive deeper into their mission: bit.ly/4dG4VBL 🪸✨

Scuba diver swims over a vibrant pink and purple coral reef while taking photos with an underwater camera set up.

Scuba diver lays down a measuring line along a dark coral reef while swimming alongside a large, dense school of barracuda.

Close up shot of a blue marlin larva swimming in clear water.

A moray eel pokes its head out of a coral crevice as a school of small yellow-and-pink anthias fish swims around a vibrant ocean reef.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 15/09/2026

When this pelican needed a rescue, it knew right where to go: our science center’s office in Panama City. The bird was entangled in heavy-duty fishing line. Our staff removed the hook, and unspooled monofilament line wrapped around its wing—and the bird flew free! bit.ly/4hs9C4y

A pelican stands outside a glass office door, waiting to be let in.

Close up of pelican with monofilament line wrapped around its foot.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 10/09/2026

Who needs a structural engineer when you’ve got one of nature’s engineers? We worked with partners to build “beaver dam analogues,” and coho salmon came back almost immediately. Now, the beavers are helping restore the creek—reinforcing dams we built, and building their own. bit.ly/4gKvKa7

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Reposted by NOAA Fisheries

NOAA @noaa.gov · 09/09/2026

Will you be in the D.C. area on Saturday 9/26? Come to NOAA: Centuries of Science— A Pop-Up Experience! See some of NOAA’s most impressive artifacts, participate in hands-on activities, and more! Learn more and register at noaa.gov/nhw2026! #NOAAHeritageWeek

Centuries of Science — A Pop-Up Experience! | noaa.gov/nhw2026 | Free! Open to the Public!

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 09/09/2026

The ocean may be vast, but some of its inhabitants are teeny tiny! Check out some of the smallest creatures in the sea, which we found on our research surveys. Sizes range from pea to ping pong ball to baseball.

A scientist wearing a blue hat, glasses, a foul weather jacket, and blue rubber gloves holds a small paper nautilus smaller than a baseball in her hands.

Close up of a small blob fish, no larger than a ping pong ball, resting on the back of a person’s hand.

Close up of a small orange crab about the size of a green pea rests on top of a person’s open palm.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 04/09/2026

Off to the coast this weekend?🌊 Whether you’re fishing, swimming, or strolling the beach, you may encounter marine animals. 🐋🦭🐢🐬What can you do to share the shore and sea with marine life? See viewing guidelines to keep you and the animals safe: bit.ly/4qSp8tw #SharetheShore; #SharetheSea

A yellow caution sign on a wooden post in the foreground warns beachgoers not to approach an endangered Hawaiian monk seal resting on the sandy shore in the background.

A woman in a bright pink hooded jacket uses a blue, coin-operated viewing binocular on a wooden pier overlooking the bay toward Alcatraz Island.

A person wearing jeans and boots walks a black dog on a long red leash along a wide, sandy beach.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 03/09/2026

Good news for Pacific salmon! The average annual returns of threatened Hood Canal summer-run chum salmon have nearly tripled since 2022, from about 11,600 fish per year to roughly 32,600. Habitat restoration is helping these fish remain resilient to temperature changes. bit.ly/4h9BgmA

A single chum salmon with dark vertical tiger stripes swimming horizontally underwater over a rocky riverbed.

Aerial view of a wide forested valley with open green pastures alongside a narrow river.

Aerial view of an active habitat restoration site showing heavy machinery, dirt staging areas, and piles of timber next to a river running through a forest.

A shallow river flowing through a restored gravel flood plain filled with strategically placed fallen trees and root wads under a partly cloudy sky.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 02/09/2026

Talk about hands-on learning! 🐚 Texas A&M University students dive into real-world field research alongside our scientists to survey queen conch off Puerto Rico. Dive into the details: bit.ly/3UtaDk0

A smiling diver wearing a bright yellow mask and snorkel treads water in clear blue ocean waves, holding up a large queen conch shell with gloved hands.

An underwater photo of three divers wearing gloves and snorkels, examining a small juvenile queen conch and a large adult queen conch together in shallow blue ocean water

A researcher wearing a light blue sun hood, snorkel, and life vest floats in ocean water, using a ruler against a bright orange clipboard to measure a small queen conch shell.

A group of eleven smiling researchers and students give thumbs-up signs in front of a large "Departamento de Ciencias Marinas, Isla Magueyes" sign, with front-row members holding a maroon Texas A&M flag.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 01/09/2026

Learn about how sustainably managing the diverse resources and distinct regions across the Caribbean continues to build on careful collaboration, local expertise, and flexibilities provided by the Magnuson-Stevens Act: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-stor... #MSA50

fisheries.noaa.gov

Caribbean Fishery Management: Voices from the Islands

Sustainably managing the diverse resources and distinct regions across the Caribbean relies on careful collaboration, local expertise, and flexibilities provided by the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 01/09/2026

Sustainable fishery management starts with listening to the people who know the resource best. For decades, the voices of Caribbean fishermen, community leaders, scientists, and other local knowledge holders have shaped how fisheries are managed across the islands.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 31/08/2026

They've been around for at least 420 million years—they’ve even survived several mass extinction events. 🤯 Sharks have seen some things! Here’s to millions more years with these ancient creatures. sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/2025/ho...

sanctuaries.noaa.gov

How Sharks Keep the Ocean Healthy

Sharks have long been portrayed as terrifying predators of the deep, but really, they are essential guardians of the ocean. Despite their fearsome reputation, these apex predators play a crucial role ...

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 31/08/2026

Heading back to school soon? Wow your classmates with some shark facts. Sharks are amazing—they’re strong, intelligent predators at the top of the food chain, and they help keep our oceans healthy. Did you also know they’ve been on Earth longer than just about any other species?

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 28/08/2026

During her iconic career, Dolly even had a few fish-themed songs: She sang “Something Fishy” on her 1967 debut studio album, and “Fish Out of Water” and “Fisherman’s Song” in later years. 🐟Thank you, Dolly, for sharing your heart and talent with us. We'll miss you. Forever sparkling in our hearts.💖

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 28/08/2026

One of our favorite Dolly Parton mottos? “Never leave a rhinestone unturned.” This strawberry squid took it to heart. 💖 As we pay tribute to a true original, it's a good reminder that flair can be found in even the darkest parts of our ocean. And like Dolly, some things are just meant to sparkle! ✨

A strawberry squid set against a black background, its reddish-pink body and curled arms covered in iridescent, jewel-like light spots.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 27/08/2026

It’s the beginning of the school year, and these students are already excelling—in art class, anyway. Check out winning entries from this year’s highly migratory species art contest, from students in K-8th grade. You can also download a free calendar! bit.ly/4i36vRv

A drawing of a sworfish swimming with other fish underwater.

A drawing of animals in the ocean, including a pink octopus, a fish with a unicorn horn, and a rainbow-colored fish wearing a NOAA sign. Above the water is a rainbow.

A drawing of a swordfish with a fish speared on its rostrum. Its body curves over vibrantly colored corals on the ocean bottom.

A drawing of a closeup of four fish swimming together, looking surprised.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 26/08/2026

The Caribbean Fishery Management Council created a cookbook highlighting recipes for underutilized fish and seafood in the Caribbean. Download the free resource to try many more delicious, sustainable seafood recipes from the region: issuu.com/caribbeanfmc...

issuu.com

Fish and Seafood Recipes for Underutilized Species of PR & the USVI

Enjoy this collection of recipes while learning about the variety of fish and seafood that we have in the Caribbean. Nutrition facts, hygienic handling, and a catalogue of species are also included in

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 26/08/2026

Keep summer on your plate a little longer with this herb-roasted mahimahi topped with fresh fruit salsa. This bright, nutritious dish is a great way to enjoy the flavors of summer and support U.S. fishermen. bit.ly/3UknsNj

A rectangular graphic with an image of a square filet of roasted fish that is dressed with herbs and fruit salsa. Below text reads “Flavorful & Refreshing Herb-Roasted Mahimahi; Caribbean Fishery Management Council, Chef Cory Magras."

A scientific illustration of a bright yellow and blue fish labeled “Atlantic Mahi Mahi” Below a text box reads ““Mahi mahi is low in saturated fat and is a good source of protein, potassium, and other essential vitamins and minerals. It has a sweet, mild flavor with firm flaky meat.” followed by a divider line and text that reads “Atlantic and Pacific mahi mahi are highly sought after for sport and commercial fishing. While the majority of catch is Pacific mahi mahi from Hawaiʻi, in 2024 U.S. recreational and commercial fishermen harvested 8.2 million and 75,000 pounds of Atlantic mahi mahi, respectively.”

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 21/08/2026

Researchers deployed a range of specialized acoustic tools, including sonobuoys, towed hydrophone arrays, and drifting acoustic recorders, to track marine mammals that can be heard but not seen underwater. 🎧🐋 www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-stor... #TechWeek

Ship crew members on deck work together to haul a yellow and red DASBR oceanographic instrument out of the water using a line.

A person wearing a bright orange shirt on the deck of a boat tosses a black cylindrical canister over the railing into the ocean.

Two crew members in hard hats and safety vests walk along a ship's side deck, carrying a recovered yellow and red oceanographic buoy.

A computer workstation displaying acoustic tracking software with spectrographs, wave graphs, and multi-colored tracking lines on a laptop and widescreen monitor.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 21/08/2026

Heavy winter swells brought over 200 whale and dolphin encounters during our latest cetacean research mission in Hawai‘i! 🌊🐋 The research team spent 2 months aboard the NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette monitoring marine life: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-stor...

Melon-headed whale surface-breaks through vibrant blue ocean water, creating a small white splash around its dorsal fin.

A dolphin leaps gracefully out of deep blue ocean waves, arc-shaped mid-air as its beak dips toward the water's surface.

Ship passengers lean over a deck railing, excitedly pointing out into choppy ocean waters under an overcast sky.

A humpback whale mother and calf swim together near the surface of deep blue water, with a spout of mist rising from the adult whale's blowhole.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 20/08/2026

The team tested them on Southern right whales and found the tagged whales showed no signs of negative health effects. They're now refining and testing the design to make it smaller and further reduce risk to the animals. www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-stor...

The image features information about lab testing of a new design. The text describes how the tags were subjected to intensive stress tests, even being struck with a hammer, and held up under simulated ocean conditions. A diagram of the design measures 5.3 inches in length over a design of blue sky and ocean.

This image is titled "Safer and stronger." It discusses testing a tag design on Southern right whales in Argentina, highlighting its safety and longevity. Two photos of whales are shown in Polaroid style, labeled "Península Valdés, Argentina." Text mentions the tags stayed attached for an average of 24 days, more than twice as long as implantable tags. The background has a light blue and white design, resembling clouds.

Title: What's Next. This graphic discusses using the new design on sei whales and, eventually, endangered North Pacific and North Atlantic right whales. Below, a photo depicts individuals on a boat observing a breaching whale.

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NOAA Fisheries @fisheries.noaa.gov · 20/08/2026

A research team, led by a NOAA Fisheries affiliate scientist, developed a new type of implantable tag that anchors in a whale’s blubber without reaching the sensitive tissue below. This remote-sensing technology allows us to follow whale movements beyond where we can track them. #TechWeek #Whales

Title: Tracking whales. Text describes how NOAA Fisheries scientists use satellite tags to track whale movements. Below, a whale swims in the ocean.

Title: Small but mighty. An aerial view of a whale swimming in the ocean. A small tag is visibly attached to its back, highlighted in an inset circle. Text on the image reads, "The tag is relatively small—comparable to an earring on a human ear—and does not reach the sensitive tissue beneath the blubber."

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